Tulsa City Council Meeting – March 25, 2026

The Tulsa City Council convened at 5 p.m. on March 25, 2026, with all nine councilors present. The meeting covered routine approvals, a contested rezoning, and a public hearing on a proposed 365‑day moratorium on data center applications, which drew extensive public testimony.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from four prior meetings (February 25 and March 4, 2026) were approved unanimously.
• Ordinances on first reading (items 6A–6K) were forwarded to the next meeting without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Huffines spoke in support of appointments to the HUD Committee and the Tulsa Arts Commission, invoking religious themes. He also spoke favorably on items 4F (opioid grant), 4U (travel donation for fire chief), and 4W–4X (Good Friday processions).
• James Alexander and Bernice Alexander opposed the Flat Rock Ridge minor plat (5A), arguing it would bring higher‑income, non‑Black residents into North Tulsa and was poorly sited.
• Buchanan Dowling opposed the MPD‑6 rezoning (7A), citing contradictions with the city’s comprehensive plan, piecemeal industrial development, and financial burden on taxpayers.
• Nineteen speakers testified in favor of the data center moratorium (7B), including a 9‑year‑old resident (Violet Schaus) who listed six reasons (energy, water, noise, air pollution, land use, low job creation). Other speakers (Cheyenna Morgan, Ashley Lamont, Mitchell Gilliam, Danielle Kresikowski, Darren Blanchard, Nate Morris, Aidan Townsley, Kelsey Royce, Amber Ellis, Kelly Bogman, James Alexander Jr., Jessica Perraza, Joseph Benuelos, Jameson Campo, Michael Pagano, and Tashi McKellup) raised concerns about water consumption (3.2 billion gallons/year projected for two projects), noise (up to 97 dB), environmental justice, AI surveillance, job displacement, conflicts of interest, and the precedent of community harm in other states. One speaker (Danielle Kresikowski) alleged a conflict of interest regarding Councilor Bush’s employment at Aon, which Councilor Bush denied after consultation with legal counsel.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Appointments: Renita Bolan was appointed to the HUD Community Development Committee and Yatika Starfields was reappointed to the Tulsa Arts Commission. No council discussion; approved.
• Item 3 – Charter Amendments: Public hearing entered and exited with no speakers.
• Item 4 – Mayor’s Items: No mayor present. Items 4B–4Z, including opioid grants and special events, were approved with an emergency clause on 4B–4F.
• Item 5A – Flat Rock Ridge Minor Plat: Councilor Dutton noted the plat’s location near Peoria. No further discussion; approved 9‑0.
• Item 7A – Rezoning to MPD‑6 (Fair Oaks Ranch): Councilor Bellis asked about guardrail language and maintenance responsibilities. Davis Robson (developer representative) clarified that private roads are maintained by an association, public roads by the city. Motion to approve carried 8‑1 (Councilor Dutton dissenting).
• Item 7B – Data Center Moratorium: Councilor Dutton expressed full support for an indefinite moratorium, citing existing noise and drought issues in her district. Councilor Bellis queried Susan Miller (Planning) about the work the planning office will undertake during the pause (studying size, setbacks, noise impacts, and consulting with Cherokee Nation). After discussion, Councilor Bellis moved to approve the moratorium with an amended exception for one pending data center (Project Anthem Phase 2, zoning case Z7851) if appropriately zoned, and with an emergency clause. The motion carried 9‑0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous or near‑unanimous): Minutes (items 1A–D), appointments (2A–B), charter amendments (3A, entered and exited), mayor’s items (4B–4Z), Flat Rock Ridge plat (5A), and forwarding of first‑reading ordinances (6A–6K).
• Approved 8‑1: MPD‑6 rezoning (7A) for Fair Oaks Ranch (Councilor Dutton opposed).
• Approved 9‑0 with emergency clause: A 365‑day moratorium on acceptance and processing of permits for data centers, effective through December 31, 2026, with an exception for one pending data center (Project Anthem Phase 2) that is already in the zoning process (case Z7851). The planning office will develop new land‑use regulations during the pause.
• Council Announcements: Councilor Hall Harper announced a North Tulsa Homeowners Summit on April 4; Councilor Dutton announced a neighborhood infill meeting on March 31; Councilor Archie announced a faith‑leader town hall on homelessness for March 31; Councilor Bush announced a hotel guest tax town hall on March 30.
• Adjournment following items 9–12 (no new business, appeals, or public comments).